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NWA Hard Times 2 Quick Results

Anutosh Bajpai
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NWA presented the Hard Times 2 PPV from the GPB Studios in Atlanta, Georgia tonight. The event featured several highlight moments.

The show saw the current NWA heavyweight champion Trevor Murdoch retaining his title against Mike Knox in a singles match while Chris Adonis retained the national heavyweight title against Judais in a one on one encounter.

NWA titles were not the only championships defended during the event. Both the Impact Knockouts title and ROH tag team titles were put on the line as well.

The show also featured surprise appearances from a number of former WWE stars including Matt Cardona among others. Here are the quick results of the PPV:

NWA Hard Times 2 Quick Results:

  • NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship Match: Trevor Murdoch defeated Mike Knox
  • NWA World Women’s Championship Match: Kamille defeated Melina
  • Fatal Four Wat Match For NWA Women’s World Tag Team Championship: The Hex defeated Missa Kate & Natalia Markova and Kylie Rae & Tootie Lynn and Paola Blaze & Jennacide
  • Qualifying Gauntlet Match For NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship: Homicide defeated Alex Taylor, Ariya Daivari, CW Anderson, Darius Lockhart, Jeremiah Plunkett, Jamie Stanley, Kerry Morton, Luke Hawx, PJ Hawx, Sal Rinauro, Victor Benjamin, and Ricky Morton
  • Impact Knockouts Championship Match: Mickie James defeated Kiera Hogan
  • ROH World Tag Team Championship Match: OGK defeated Aron Stevens & Kratos
  • No DQ, No Time Limit NWA World Television Championship Match: Tyrus defeated Cyon
  • NWA World Tag Team Championship Match: La Rebelión’s Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450 defeated The End’s Odinson and Parrow
  • NWA National Heavyweight Championship Match: Chris Adonis (c) defeated Judais
  • Singles Match: Matthew Mims defeated Jax Dane
  • Singles Match: Austin Aries defeated Rhett Titus
  • Singles Match: Nick Aldis defeated Thom Latimer
  • Singles Match: Colby Corino defeated Doug Williams

Taya Valkyrie Comments On Becoming Free Agent

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Taya Valkyrie previously known as Franky Mone in NXT is excited about becoming a free agent and getting back to work on the independent circuit.

The former WWE star confirmed her free agency on Twitter earlier yesterday. She mentioned her booking address and said it was time to go back to work:

Taya Valkyrie signed with WWE back in February this year. The promotion officially confirmed her new ring name Franky Mone in April. Though her NXT career didn’t include a lot of highlights.

The now-former WWE star was released from her contract on November 4 alongside people such as Keith Lee, Karrion Kross, and Ember Moon.

WWE also released Valkyrie’s husband, John Morrison a few days later on November 18. Though due to his main roster contract, Morrison will have to wait a couple more months before becoming a free agent.

Taya Valkyrie has already started making appearances for other promotions. She showed up at AAA Triplemanía tonight and issued a challenge to the current AAA Reina de Reinas Champion Deonna Purrazzo.

The former NXT star has been announced for several upcoming indie shows as well. This includes shows of Outlandish Paradise on 15 January, Prestige Wrestling on 20 February, and Nation Extreme Wrestling on 25 February.

There is no word on if any of the big promotions are interested in bringing Valkyrie in but it’s more than likely that she will be signed by a brand sooner rather than later.

Franky Monet (Taya Valkyrie) Releases Statement On WWE Release

Jim Ross Skin Cancer Update: “I Am Going To Be Fine”

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Jim Ross is keeping his spirits high and aiming to return to the AEW commentary booth sooner rather than later after completing his cancer treatment.

The wrestling veteran provided another update on his treatment in a new episode of Grilling JR. He confirmed that the doctors have removed cancer from his back:

“They got all the cancer out of my back, I don’t have any more cancer in my back.” said Ross, “Just two places: my shoulder and down lower.”

Speaking of his strange sign-off during the November 24 episode of Dynamite which got people talking about his health, Jim Ross claimed that it was his own idea. He then provided an optimistic outlook on his future.

Jim Ross Health Update

“That was all me, I didn’t have to ask Tony Khan for permission,” Ross said. “He’s supporting everything I do and that’s just how I rolled it out because we hadn’t said anything about it the entire show.”

He added, “”I’m going to be fine. Everybody just has to understand I’m going to be fine because I like to battle and I like to be competitive, I’m a little hard-headed. Consequently, whatever it takes to get past this and solve this cancer issue is what we’re going to do.”

Jim Ross revealed last month that he wouldn’t have to undergo chemotherapy. He has begun a series of radiation treatments and the AEW star hopes to be back on TV before the end of this year.

Jim Ross Comments On Firing Buff Bagwell In 2001

H/t to WrestlingInc for the transcribed quotes

Jim Ross Comments On Firing Buff Bagwell In 2001

Chris Stephens
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Jim Ross recently commented on the time he fired Buff Bagwell from WWE in 2001. IT was soon after a disastrous match he wrestled against Booker T. JR recently spent some time addressing this on his Grillin’ JR podcast.

“Well, Buff had a higher opinion of his work than Vince did,” JR said. “I become the bad guy because I’m the middle-man, I’m the guy that delivers the bad news, or the good news at times. I don’t hold any animosity to this day on Marc Bagwell.”

“He just wasn’t a good fit, Conrad. That partying lifestyle, we were trying to distance ourselves a little bit from that if we could.”

“Vince just didn’t see the money in Marc that Marc saw in himself. I can only deal with the hand’s that dealt me when I’m told ‘this kid’s no going to get it, I want you to let him go’.”

Ross would continue to say that despite what some believe, Judy Bagwell had little to do with Buff being released.

“Judy had little to do with that. Marc’s own personal habits and the way he conducted himself is what let the air out of his sails,” Ross continued.

JR’s full comments on releasing Buff Bagwell from WWE in 2001 can be heard in the video below.

Bryan Danielson Wants To Create His Own Faction In AEW

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Bryan Danielson has seen how factions have helped elevate a lot of younger wrestlers in AEW and he wants to create his own faction in 2022.

The former world champion recently had an interview with TV Insider. He discussed things such as WWE’s reaction to AEW and more.

When asked what are his goals for 2022, Danielson explained that he wants to put together a group with some younger talents:

“If I can get a group together, I’m thinking of a younger talent or two, and that develops into stories within that. Look at Sammy Guevara and Chris Jericho. By Sammy joining the Inner Circle, he’d become a bigger star.

He then stepped up to the plate and hit home runs.” said Bryan Danielson, “That’s how you build young stars. A guy that comes to mind for me is Daniel Garcia.”

The wrestling veteran also compared AEW to Game of Thrones. He mentioned how Game Of Thrones was one of the most popular TV programs that made people come back to watch the show every week.

Bryan explained that doing the same for AEW is one of his over-arching goals. He wants to help the company to gain more viewers and make it feel like a must-watch program every week.

Bryan Danielson Reveals Which Younger AEW Talent He Wants to Work With

The Amazing Story of How R-Truth Got Into Wrestling

Anutosh Bajpai
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Many people now know R Truth as a wrestling star who also raps but it wasn’t how things started. Truth actually wanted to pursue a rapping career. However, a number of people with divine inspirations led him to become one of the most beloved professional wrestlers of this era.

The 49-year-old told the story of how he originally got into wrestling during his recent appearance on Ebro in the Morning. He was asked about his start in the business. Truth explained that he was introduced to it by Jack Crockett.

“This was given to me by a guy named Jack Crockett. I was doing Street things. We all know at that point in my career. So I’m like, keep making these mistakes and I’m still trying to get my music on. Well, long story short [I] got jammed up. And this was a time I feel like God gave me [to think] like ‘okay, it’s time for you to sit down and figure out what the hell you want to do exactly. You want to go this way? That way? What you’re gonna do?”

R Truth’s First Meeting With Jack Crockett

R truth tupac
R Truth originally wanted to become a rapper

R Truth met Jack Crockett while he was in jail. The brother of legendary promoter Jim Crockett was looking to get out of the wrestling business but he said that something was keeping him from leaving. Then when he met the high-flying star, he felt it was his opportunity to give back to the business:

“I met a guy named Jack Crockett. Jack Crockett was the guy that brought professional wrestling to the south. So, he said he never gave back before. And he said God told him to give back to me.  Me and him talk two times in jail. To give somebody your phone number, your information [in the short time was unbelievable]. He believed in me from that point. He’s like, ‘call me when you get out of jail.’ Now I thought he wanted me to cut his grass or something like that.

He offered me a job. He took me to three WCW shows and this is when Harlem Heat first started coming out. I’ve never been to a wrestling show in my life. Ric Flair music hit. He comes out. I’m like ‘Oh, shit.’ 15,000 people goes crazy. And I’m like, ‘Oh, damn.’ He’s like, ‘See? That could be you right there. All that rapping and dancing he was doing in there. You could come down rapping your own music that you want to do, get in the ring and then you can fight and mix all your moves together.”

How R Truth Got Signed By WWE

R Truth Vince mcmahon
R Truth first signed with WWE in 1998

Though Crockett wasn’t the only person who helped R Truth in reaching his destination. He initially refused Jack’s offer but accepted it after getting to a place where he wanted to do something different. Once he made the decision to join wrestling, there were a number of other people who paved the way for the wrestling veteran to not only learn the craft but to get to where he belonged:

“Manny Fernandez, the Raging Bull, saw me wrestle, I think my third or fourth match. And he said ‘I’m gonna train you for free.’ He said I don’t know why but I just feel like I have to train you for free. He said to come back to me. Man, He trained me mentally, emotionally, spiritually. He just trained me to like, ‘this is a art but I wanted to teach you how to take care of yourself in the ring, take care of yourself around the ring. Just so you have ring awareness.’

Well after that, Wildside Rick Michaels, he said ‘bro, let me make a tape for you. You don’t belong here. You belong on WWF. You belong there.’ Rick Michaels and his dad made me a tape. I sent it in. I got a call from WWE within two weeks. Two weeks after that, I was going to meet Vince McMahon. Two weeks after that, I was under contract.”

If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription.

This article has been edited for clarity.

Charlotte Flair & Andrade Have Reportedly Split Up

Chris Stephens
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While this cannot be confirmed, it is being reported that Andrade and Charlotte Flair have broken up. The couple had announced their engagement on New Year’s Day in 2020. They had gone public with their relationship in early 2019.

According to a report from BodySlam.net, the engagement is off and the couple have gone their separate ways. It was also reported that Charlotte Flair made the decision to end the relationship. No reason as to why she decided to break off the engagement was reported, however. The break-up reportedly occurred a few weeks ago.

It was noted that Andrade stopped following several of Flair’s social media channels late last month.

In 2019, Flair spoke with News-18 about her relationship with Andrade.

“What’s so special is having someone with you that understands what you do,” Flair said. “His grandfather was a wrestler, his dad was a wrestler, his uncles are wrestlers. Being in the industry, liking the same things, understanding the pressure, understanding the travel.”

Charlotte Flair is the current Smackdown Women’s Champion. She’ll be facing Toni Storm next for the title. As for Andrade, he recently main event’ed the last episode of AEW Dynamite. He was defeated by Cody Rhodes after going through a flaming table.

Nick Aldis Confirms The Crockett Cup Will Return In 2022

Chris Stephens
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In 2019, Billy Corgan’s NWA brought back the Crockett Cup for the first time since 1988. PCO and Brody King won the one-night tournament. Nick Aldis recently confirmed that the Crockett Cup will be returning in 2022.

“The plan is for The Crockett Cup to be in Nashville this year,” Aldis said in an interview with Wrestling Inc. “One of the things I’ve enjoyed in my time with the NWA was the ability to breathe new life into things which have a tremendous amount of history and tradition attached to them, but haven’t always been celebrated in that respect. They were always things people talked about in the past tense.”

The NWA will return to PPV tonight for Hard Times 2. Trevor Murdoch defending the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Mike Knox will headline the show. The full lineup is below:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Championship
    Trevor Murdoch (c) vs Mike Knox
  • NWA World Women’s Championship
    Kamille (c) vs Melina
  • Nick Aldis vs Thom Latimer
  • Knockouts Championship
    Mickie James (c) vs Kiera Hogan
  • NWA World Tag Team Championships
    La Rebelión (Bestia 666 and Mecha Wolf 450) (c) vs. The End (Odinson and Parrow)
  • NWA World Television Championship
    Tyrus (c) vs Cyon
  • NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championships
    The Hex (Allysin Kay and Marti Belle) (c) vs. Kylie Rae and Tootie Lynn vs. TBA and Natalia Markova
  • NWA National Championship
    Chris Adonis (c) vs Judais
  • ROH World Tag Team Championships
    The OGK (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) (c) vs. Aron Stevens and JR Kratos
  • NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship qualifying match
    Austin Aries vs Rhett Titus
  • Colby Corino vs Doug Williams
  • Jax Dane vs. Matthew Mims
  • NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship qualifying match
    Alex Taylor vs. Ariya Daivari vs. CW Anderson vs. Darius Lockhart vs. Homicide vs. Jeremiah Plunkett vs. Jamie Stanley vs. Kerry Morton vs. Luke Hawx vs. PJ Hawx vs. Sal Rinauro vs. Victor Benjamin vs. TBD (Pre-Show)

ROH Champion & Former NXT Talent Take Part in AEW Dark Tapings

Chris Stephens
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AEW taped several episodes of Dark at Universal Studios yesterday. Multiple wrestlers made their promotional debut during the tapings. These included a current ROH champion and a former NXT talent.

Current ROH Pure Champion Josh Woods debuted at the tapings. Woods defeated Jonathan Gresham at Death Before Dishonor to become the 2nd wrestler to hold the Pure title since it was reinstated last year. Woods was also signed to NXT from 2014 to 2016.

Also debuting at the tapings yesterday was 4 Horsewoman of MMA member, Marina Shafir. She wrestled Kris Statlander during the tapings. Shafir was released from her WWE contract in June after having been with the company since 2018. She recently participated in Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport event for GCW in October.

During an interview with Fightful, Shafir spoke about her WWE release and continuing her wrestling career.

“I didn’t take it personal, getting released. I have more good memories at NXT than bad. There’s no personal feelings towards that. I get that there’s sides to this business that you just can’t take personal. I signed that agreement long ago. I think two weeks after I got released, Barnett called me. First, we were just talking about how everything went down. But then he was just like, ‘I’m gonna indirectly ask you to stay in shape. Just take care of yourself and we’ll be chatting in a couple of weeks.’ I said, ‘Yep. Gonna go train now. See you later. Talk to you soon. Bye,” she said.

Bryan Danielson Thinks WWE Overreacted To AEW

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Bryan Danielson thinks WWE overreacted by signing up a lot of talents when AEW originally started and that has led to a lot of people losing their jobs.

The former WWE star recently had an interview with TV Insider. He discussed things such as his character in AEW, getting heat from fans and more.

When asked about the changes in landscape of wrestling in the recent times, Danielson mentioned how WWE released a lot of talents who won’t get the regular payments now. Per him, they overreacted by signing everyone when AEW started:

“For WWE, I think there was an overreaction when AEW started. Even when Ring of Honor got real hot with Cody and the Young Bucks. WWE felt they needed to sign up all the talent. They realized, “our business is fine.”

AEW is catching up. They’ve done incredible for a company that has been around for less than three years.” said Bryan Danielson, “WWE is still making a billion dollars, so they don’t need to hoard all these talents.”

The former world champion also praised the Young Bucks. He gave credit to their YouTube show Being The Elite to attract a lot of people to independent wrestling.

He mentioned how all these releases could lead to another boom period in the independent circuit, which will make the industry healthier.

Bryan Danielson Reveals Which Younger AEW Talent He Wants to Work With

Big E Comments On Potential WrestleMania Match Against Tyson Fury

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Big E has crossed over to the boxing world a couple of times since becoming WWE champion. He has introduced people like Deontay Wilder and Shawn Porter before their fights. The current champion talked about these cross-overs during a recent interview with The Sun.

He expressed the desire for one such crossover to take place at WrestleMania saying that he would like Tyson Fury to introduce him at the show of shows. If the gypsy king doesn’t have an interest in accompanying him for his entrance at the PPV event, then Big E would also be open to facing him in a one-on-one match at Mania:

“Of course, that’s just rumours and speculation, but I think he’s going to find a way to get back into WWE soon. That’s what we do at WrestleMania. It’s about theatrics, entertainment and being larger-than-life. So, if we are going to do it, that would be the place to do it.” said Big E, “So I am open to a Tyson Fury WrestleMania match. As absurd as it may be to some, it would be a lot of fun,”

Tyson Fury is no stranger to the wrestling world and he has wrestled a couple of matches for WWE. He made his debut defeating Braun Strowman at the 2019 Crown Jewel event via count-out. There is no word yet on what the officials are planning for Big E at WrestleMania. It would be interesting to see if it involves Fury in any capacity.

Drew McIntyre Responds To Tyson Fury’s Challenge

Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar Announced For Day 1

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE has confirmed that Brock Lesnar will be getting a rematch against Roman Reigns for the Universal championship at the upcoming Day 1 PPV event.

The beast incarnate returned from his storyline suspension on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. He took part in several segments on the show

Lesnar first convinced Sami Zayn to cash in his Universal title shot tonight and was given a championship opportunity at the upcoming event by Sonya Deville.

Sami Zayn was set to face Roman Reigns for the Universal title in the main event. Though before the bout, Zayn called in Lesnar to thank him for having his back.

Zayn mentioned how Lesnar might have an easier time facing him compared to Roman at the Day 1 PPV because the former UFC star hasn’t had a great track record against Reigns in recent times.

This upset the former Universal champion and he unleashed a brutal attack on Sami. He delivered two F5s to Zayn before getting out of the arena.

Roman Reigns made his entrance with The Bloodline when Lesnar had left. He quickly took care of Zayn and defeated him with the guillotine to end the show.

Updated WWE Day 1 Match Card

This is the third match that has been announced for the upcoming PPV after WWE confirmed that The Usos will be defending the SmackDown tag team titles against the New Day. Here is the updated card for the show:

  • Universal Championship Match: Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar
  • Triple Threat WWE Championship Match: Big E vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens
  • SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Usos vs. The New Day

Day 1 is going to be WWE’s first PPV event to take place on new year’s day. It will be held live from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on January 1, 2021.

WWE SmackDown Results (12/3): Brock Lesnar Returns, Universal Title Match, Day 1

Io Shirai On If She Would Be Open To A Move To Main Roster

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

Many of the NXT stars have reservations about a potential move to the main roster. Though Io Shirai is not one of them and she actually looks forward to the challenges she might face after a call up.

The former NXT women’s champion recently had an interview with Sports Illustrated. She talked about things such as her experience in WWE so far and more.

When asked if she will be open to a move to Raw or SmackDown, Shirai replied positively, saying that the opportunity would present new goals for her:

“Of course, I would be open to a move to SmackDown or Raw. The opportunity would present new goals and encounters different from what I have achieved and experienced in NXT.”

Io Shirai also named a couple of stars she would like to step into the ring with, including a potential rematch with none other than Sasha Banks:

“I would like a rematch with Sasha Banks as soon as possible. I also heard Bayley say she wanted to have a match with me, and I would definitely relish my first confrontation with her. If it is a title match, even better.”

The team of Io Shirai and Zoey Stark lost the NXT tag team titles at the Halloween Havoc event in September. People have been wondering if it’s an indication of her moving to the main roster soon but the same hasn’t been announced yet.

Io Shirai Compares Wrestling In Japan & The United States

NWA Hard Times 2: Full Card, How to Order, Tickets

Michael Reichlin
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The National Wrestling Alliance presents NWA Hard Times 2 on Saturday, December 4th from GPB Studios in Atlanta, GA. The event will stream on FITE pay-per-view.

NWA President Billy Corgan has announced the complete lineup for this historic event. In addition to the full match card, there are also a few newsworthy items to report:

  • The NWA is bringing back the Junior Heavyweight championship, a title that was first introduced in 1945.
  • The Ring of Honor Tag Team Championships will be defended on the show
  • Mick Foley will be in attendance as a special guest
https://twitter.com/RealMickFoley/status/1461754328667066375

Hard Times 2 Matches

The following is the complete match card for NWA Hard Times 2:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Murdoch vs. Mike Knox
  • NWA Women’s World Champion Kamille vs. Melina
  • NWA Television Champion Tyrus vs. Cyon in a No Time Limit, No DQ match. Pope will serve as the special guest referee.
  • Nick Aldis vs. Thom Latimer in a Grudge Match.
  • NWA National Champion Chris Adonis vs. Judais with James Mitchell
  • World Tag Team Champions La Rebellion vs. The End
  • Women’s World Tag Champions The Hex vs. vs. Kylie Rae & Tootie Lynn vs. Natalia Markova & Lady Frost [Update: Lady Frost has been pulled from the PPV.]
  • Mickie James vs. Kiera Hogan
  • Colby Corino vs. Doug Williams
  • Austin Aries vs. Rhett Titus (Junior Heavyweight Qualifying Match)
  • 12-Man NWA Junior Heavyweight Qualifying Gauntlet for the returning NWA Junior Heavyweight Title.
  • ROH World Tag Team Champions OGK vs. Aron Stevens & Kratos

Plus, there will be a special appearance by hardcore legend Mick Foley and an in-ring tribute to women’s wrestling legend, Jazz.

If you’re in the Atlanta area, tickets are still on sale for Hard Times 2 at Eventbrite.

New Title Match Confirmed For Day 1

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

The Usos will be defending their SmackDown tag team championships against the duo of Kofi Kingston and King Xavier Woods at the Day 1 PPV.

These two teams have been feuding for a while. Tonight’s episode of SmackDown saw Woods facing Jey Uso in a singles match.

Before the match started, Woods brought back Kingston. Kofi had taken a few weeks off to be with his wife as they welcomed their third child.

The match ended in a DQ when Jimmy interfered in the bout. The New Day attacked the twin brothers after the bell and they beat Jimmy until Jey pulled him out.

Then in a later backstage segment, the New Day called in Kayla Braxton to deliver some news. They revealed that they will be challenging The Usos for their titles at the upcoming event.

This is the second match that has been announced for the Inaugural PPV. The company previously confirmed that Big E will be defending his WWE championship in a triple threat match against Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens at the show.

Day 1 is going to be WWE’s first PPV event to take place on new year’s day. It will be held live from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on January 1, 2021.

News On Teased Re-Branding Of Elias

News On Teased Re-Branding Of Elias

Anutosh Bajpai
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0

WWE has no solid plans for Elias after killing off his old musical character a few months ago, according to latest reports.

The officials had no end game in sight for the drifter when they aired the vignettes teasing the change. The video packages were shot just to kill off the musician gimmick according to WrestleVotes Twitter account.

WWE did try to rebrand him with colorful trunks and beard. Vince McMahon and others thought Elias looked too similar to Randy Savage and they didn’t like it.

After that character was not approved, the former NXT star is back to square 1 as far as his rebranding goes with no real plans for his future.

Elias has not wrestled on WWE TV since his symphony of destruction match against Jaxson Ryker. Ryker won this match on the July 19 edition of Raw but he has since been released by WWE.

WWE started airing vignettes teasing a character change for the former champion back in August. The last of these packages aired on August 23 but we haven’t seen the Raw star since then.

With no proper plan in motion, it’s hard to say when or if we will see Elias back on WWE TV. We will have to see what role the creatives come up with for him.

WWE NXT WarGames Betting Odds

Andrew Ravens
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The final betting odds have been released for the WWE NXT WarGames. 

The card for the show that takes place in Orlando, Florida at the Capitol Wrestling Center this Sunday appears to be finalized as only 5 matches have been announced. It’s possible that a sixth match is added whether that be on the main card or pre-show. 

So far, two NXT titles are on the line. The odds for NXT Tag Team Champions Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner vs. Kyle O’Reilly and Von Wagner have yet to be released. Some of the more notable odds include Team New School being the heavy favorites to win the men’s WarGames match while Team Raquel is favored to win the women’s WarGames match. 

WWE NXT WarGames Odds

As a reminder, we will be providing coverage of the show this Sunday. The favorites to win are listed as – while the underdogs are listed with +. Here are the final betting odds, courtesy of BetOnline:

  • Men’s WarGames Match: Team New School (Bron Breakker, Carmelo Hayes, Grayson Waller, and Tony D’Angelo) -200 vs. Team Old School (Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Pete Dunne, and LA Knight) +150
  • Women’s WarGames Match: Team Raquel (Raquel González, Io Shirai, Cora Jade, and Kay Lee Ray) -125 vs. Team Dakota (Dakota Kai and Toxic Attraction (Mandy Rose, Gigi Dolin, and Jacy Jayne) +115
  • Cruiserweight Champion Roderick Strong -185 vs. Joe Gacy +145
  • Hair vs. Hair Match: Drake Hudson -120 vs. Cameron Grimes -120

AEW Rampage Results (12/3): TNT Title Match, Jade Cargill In Action, Malakai Black Attacks

Robert Lentini
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AEW Rampage was taped from the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia. Tony Nese made his AEW in-ring debut in a TNT Championship match against Sammy Guevara. FTR squared off against PAC & Pentagon Jr. in the main event of tonight’s Rampage.

Rampage Results (12/3)

  1. Sammy Guevara def. Tony Nese to retain the TNT Championship
  2. Jade Cargill def. Janai Kai
  3. FTR def. Pac & Pentagon Jr.

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Sammy Guevara Retained The TNT Title

Sammy Guevara defended the TNT Championship against Tony Nese in the first match of the show. This was Tony Nese’s AEW in-ring debut. Sammy controlled the action early and hit a forearm to the face Guevara brought Nese to the outside and threw him into the steel steps.Back in the ring, Sammy went for a cover but Nese was able to kick out at two. Tony battled back and hit a Moonsault for a near fall. Nese connected with an awesome kick that knocked Sammy to the mat as Rampage went to a break.

When Rampage returned, Nese caught Sammy’s leg and brought him into a Half Crab. Sammy broke free and connected with a springboard Cutter for a close two count. Sammy went for the GTH but Tony blocked it. Guevara stayed on the attack and hit a Spanish Fly for another near fall.

Nese slammed Sammy to the mat and connected with a 450 Splash but the TNT Champion kicked out at two. Tony followed it up with a Buckle Bomb but Sammy caught Nese with a knee to the face. Sammy then hit the GTH for the pinfall victory. Sammy Guevara is still the TNT Champion.

Jade Cargill Dominated

Jade Cargill faced Janai Kai tonight on Rampage. This was another squash match for Cargill and she won the match via pinfall after hitting Jaded. After the match, Cargill got in some more shots before Thunder Rosa rushed the ring for the save. Thunder Rosa and Jade brawled until AEW officials separated them. Cargill will battle Thunder Rosa next week in the semifinals of the TBS Championship Tournament.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1466971985091739654?s=20

Young Bucks and Adam Cole were shown backstage after the match. Matt and Nick Jackson challenged Best Friends to a tag team match on Dynamite. Eddie Kingston had a backstage promo as well and vowed to get revenge on 2point0 and Daniel Garcia.

Malakai Black Attacked PAC

FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) faced Pentagon Jr. and PAC of Death Triangle in this week’s main event. Mark Henry interviewed the two teams in split screen before the match. PAC said tonight was about revenge for Rey Fenix and FTR mocked Fenix for not being there. Lucha Bros were originally scheduled to defend the AEW Tag Team Championships against FTR in a 2 out of 3 Falls match but Rey Fenix could not make the tapings on Wednesday due to travel issues. Tully Blanchard and Alex Abrahantes were ringside for the match tonight.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1466974309814054917?s=20

FTR dominated the match early and isolated Pentagon Jr. in the ring. Cash Wheeler booted Pentagon in the back and dragged him to the corner. Dax Harwood tagged in and delivered a Suplex. Cash quickly tagged in and hit a Leg Drop for a near fall. Pentagon was able to fight back and tagged in PAC. PAC was selling the effects from his eye injury and went for a springboard move but wound up falling on his face instead. Harwood punched PAC in the face and he fell to the mat as Rampage went to the final commercial break of the night.

https://twitter.com/NhatHoangRBLX/status/1466978106300841988?s=20

Back from the break, PAC sent Wheeler out of the ring but Harwood rolled him back inside. Harwood tagged himself in and threw PAC out of the ring. Wheeler went for a Splash off the apron but PAC got out of the way and Cash crashed into the barricade. Back in the ring, PAC hit an Enziguri and went for the tag but Wheeler dragged Pentagon off the ring apron.

FTR hit PAC with a Backbreaker? Elbow Drop combo for a two count. Harwood went for the cover again and argued with the referee after PAC kicked out at two. Harwood perched PAC up on the top turnbuckle and joined him up there. PAC hit a punch and Harwood fell to the mat. PAC leveled Dax with a Dropkick and slowly made his way to the corner.

Wheeler tagged in and PAC hit a Back Body Drop before tagging in Pentagon Jr. Penta hit a Slingblade on Wheeler before planting Harwood with a DDT. Penta hit a Crossbody off the top rope on Cash for a near fall. Pentagon planted Wheeler with a Backstabber and went for the cover but Cash was able to kick out at two.

Penta went for a Piledriver but Cash countered with a slam. Dax Harwood tagged back in and climbed to the top rope. Harwood hit a Leg Drop and went for the cover but Pentagon kicked out at two. Penta hit a Sunset Bomb before Wheeler dragged him out of the ring. Wheeler shoved Penta into the barricade as PAC climbed to the top rope. PAC hit a Crossbody but Harwood rolled through into a cover for a two count. Harwood followed it up with a Powerbomb for another near fall.

Tully Blanchard hopped onto the ring apron for a distraction. PAC accidentally hit him in the face and then rolled up Harwood for a near fall. Cash planted Penta with a Tornado DDT on the floor. PAC Clotheslined Dax to the outside and climbed to the top turnbuckle.

PAC flipped onto FTR outside the ring and then rolled Dax back inside. Harwood grabbed his knee and distracted the referee. Malakai Black then appeared and spit the myst in PAC’s eyes. Harwood quickly capitalized and covered PAC for the victory. After the match, Malakai raked at PAC’s eyes until the referee finally ripped him away. Malakai had blood on his hand and showed it off to the crowd to close the show.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1466980431220387843?s=20
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1466980959971119108?s=20

Braun Strowman Comments On Match With MLW Champion

Anutosh Bajpai
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Braun Strowman is teasing going back to work after almost 6 months and that too at a very interesting destination.

The former world champion recently posted a photo of his physical transformation on Instagram. The post attracted reactions from a number of wrestling personalities.

The names who reacted to Strowman’s posts included the current MLW world champion Alex Hammerstone. The MLW champion responded to a fan comment and Braun showed interest in a match with him as well:

The monster among men was released from his WWE contract back in June this year. He has made only one wrestling appearance since then despite already becoming a free agent.

Braun Strowman, who is now going by his real name Adam Scherr appeared on EC3’s Free The Narrative II. The two faced off in a cinematic match that was won by Scherr.

MLW CEO Court Bauer has previously confirmed that they had talks with Strowman about potentially signing with the promotion but they couldn’t reach a deal.

After rumors of his Impact Wrestling debut ended up being false, MLW seems to be a suitable destination for Strowman. We will have to wait and see if it ends up being his new home.

Update On Braun Strowman & Bray Wyatt’s Negotiations With Impact Wrestling

WWE SmackDown Results (12/3): Brock Lesnar Returns, Universal Title Match, Day 1

Robert Lentini
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WWE SmackDown aired live from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Brock Lesnar returned on tonight’s show after it was announced his indefinite suspension was over. Sasha Banks faced Shayna Baszler this week and Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship in the main event against Sami Zayn.

SmackDown Results (12/3)

  1. Sasha Banks def. Shayna Baszler
  2. Los Lotharios def. Viking Raiders
  3. King Woods def. Jey Uso via DQ
  4. Sheamus def. Cesaro
  5. Roman Reigns def. Sami Zayn to retain the Universal Championship

Here are the takeaways from this week’s show:

Lesnar Returned & Urged Sami Zayn To Challenge For The Title Tonight

Brock Lesnar made his return and kicked off tonight’s show. Lesnar grabbed a microphone and smiled as the crowd chanted for him. Brock said his suspension is lifted and he is here tonight for the Universal Championship. Sami Zayn interrupted and joked that their careers are parallel, minus the UFC titles and WrestleMania main events. Zayn got in the ring with Lesnar and told him that he is a fan. Lesnar told Sami to shut up and essentially threatened to rip his head off.

Sami backed away and informed Brock Lesnar that he is the #1 contender for the Universal Championship. Lesnar humored Sami and suggested that he challenge Roman Reigns for the title tonight. Brock insisted and got in Sami’s face. Zayn put his hand on Brock to shove him back and Lesnar got annoyed. Lesnar started bending Sami’s hand back until Zayn shouted that he wanted to have the match tonight. Brock fired up Sami for his title match later tonight to end the segment.

Zayn tried to talk his way out of the match with Sonya Deville backstage. Lesnar showed up and confirmed that he will face the winner at Day 1 for the Universal Championship. Brock high fived Sami and wished him luck against Reigns.

Sasha Banks def. Shayna Baszler

Sasha Banks battled Shaya Baszler in the first match of the night. The action spilled out of the ring as SmackDown went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Baszler took control and hit Banks with some strikes in the corner of the ring. Banks battled back and connected with a Tornado DDT for a near fall.

Shayna applied the Kirifuda Clutch but Sasha quickly countered into a pin for a two count. Sasha applied the Bank Statement but Shayna was able to escape. Shayna hit a running knee to the face but Sasha shrugged it off and hit a Hurricanrana into a cover for the pinfall victory.

McIntyre & Hardy Interrupted Happy Talk

Drew McIntyre confronted Sonya Deville and wanted to know who prevented him from being in the Battle Royal last week. Deville told McIntyre to take it up with Adam Pearce. McIntyre said he’ll be looking for Pearce and walked away. Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss then made their entrance as SmackDown went to a break.

When SmackDown returned, Corbin and Moss hosted an episode of Happy Talk. Corbin claimed that eliminating Madcap in the Battle Royal was just a joke and the two chuckled. They poked fun at Jeff Hardy for getting eliminated by Sami Zayn before Drew McIntyre interrupted. Jeff Hardy got into the ring and hit them both with a Twist of Fate before McIntyre followed it up with a Claymore. Hardy and McIntyre then posed in Moss & Corbin’s goofy hats to end the segment.

Los Lotharios def. Viking Raiders

Los Lotharios (Angel & Humberto) squared off against Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar). Erik beat Angel down to start off the action. Erik bounced Humberto off the apron and tagged in Ivar. Los Lotharios took control and isolated Erik in the ring. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs attempted a distracted but it back fired as the Viking Raiders were distracted as well. Angel rolled up Ivar for the victory.

King Woods & Jey Uso Ended In A DQ

King Woods faced Jey Uso tonight on SmackDown. Jimmy Uso was ringside for the match. Before the bell, Woods got on the microphone and announced that Sir Kofi Kingston is back. Jey controlled the match early and hit King Woods with a Neckbreaker for a near fall. Woods battled back and made his way to the top rope. Jimmy shoved Woods off the top rope to end the match in a DQ. A brawl broke out between the two teams and New Day stood tall to end the segment.

Universal Champion Roman Reigns was shown backstage with Paul Heyman. Roman wanted to know if Heyman knew Lesnar would be returning tonight or that he would be in Sami Zayn’s corner. Heyman declined but the Tribal Chief looked skeptical. Reigns vowed to retain the Universal Championshionship and smash Brock Lesnar if he came anywhere near him tonight. Woods and Kofi said they wanted The Usos at Day 1 in a backstage interview later on the show.

Toni Storm Got Revenge On Charlotte

SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair came to the ring as the show went to a break. When SmackDown returned, Flair said that Toni is just begging for a title shot and acknowledging her feels like giving her too much credit. Charlotte joked about throwing a pie in Toni’s face and claimed that she’ll never be able to rid herself of “the stink of embarrassment”. Charlotte suggested that Toni doesn’t deserve a title shot and went to leave the ring. Storm snuck up behind Flair and hit her with a pie to face and laughed on the entrance ramp.

Sheamus def. Cesaro, Naomi Will Face Sonya Deville Next Week

Naomi confronted Sonya Deville backstage once again and Sonya wound up slapping Naomi in the face. It was later announced that they will face each other next week.

Sheamus faced his former tag teammate Cesaro tonight on SmackDown. Sheamus and Cesaro locked up to begin the match. Sheamus sent Cesaro to the corner and unloaded some elbows to the face. Ridge Holland was shown watching backstage as Sheamus connected with the Irish Curse Backbreaker.

The Celtic Warrior connected with 10 Beats of the Bodhran before applying a submission hold. Cesaro broke free and unloaded some uppercuts. Cesaro sent Sheamus out of the ring and caught him with another uppercut that knocked Sheamus over the barricade.

Back in the ring, Sheamus connected with a knee to the face and began trash talking. Sheamus claimed that Cesaro always held him back and Cesaro got pissed off. Cesaro hit some strikes and set up for the Gotch Neutralizer but Sheamus blocked it. Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick for the pinfall victory.

Roman Reigns Retained & Will Defend Against Brock Lesnar At Day 1

Roman Reigns defended the Universal Championship against Sami Zayn in the main event. Before the match, Sami Zayn vowed to become the new champion and told the crowd that they never had his back. Zayn added that the only person he has to thank for tonight is Brock Lesnar. The Beast’s theme hit and Lesnar made his way down the ramp to a great reaction from the crowd. Zayn asked the crowd to make some noise for Brock and he smirked as he got into the ring.

Sami called Lesnar an honorable man and suggested that he should help him win the title tonight. Zayn noted how Lesnar hasn’t had a good track record against Roman Reigns lately. Lesnar heard enough and hit Sami with some German Suplexes before an F5. Brock delivered another F5 to Sami and set him up in the corner. Lesnar left the ring and SmackDown went to a break.

Reigns made his way to the ring with a couple minutes left in the show and Sami was now laying down on the mat. The bell rang and Reigns hit him with the Spear. Roman followed it up with a Guillotine Choke for the victory. It was announced that Reigns will defend the Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar at Day 1.

https://twitter.com/WWEonFOX/status/1466965191699091460?s=20

WWE DVDs Canceled In US And Canada Starting In 2022

Andrew Ravens
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Fans who like to buy new WWE DVDs and Blu-rays will not be able to do so starting next year. 

According to Wrestling DVD Network, WWE DVDs and Blu-rays will no longer be offered in the United States and Canada starting in 2022. WWE DVDs in Australia will also be halted while new DVDs will be released in the UK through at least March 2022.

The final United States WWE DVD release will be Survivor Series 2021 when it becomes available on December 28th. The final superstar compilation release will be out on December 14th and features Drew McIntyre. 

WWE has been releasing DVDs since 1999 beginning with WrestleMania 15 and a set featuring WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. The first VHS was available in 1985.

The report didn’t mention an exact reason for WWE halting DVDs, but all of WWE content is available on Peacock for fans in the United States and WWE Network internationally. 

WWE’s next pay-per-view event is Day 1, which goes down on Saturday, January 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia at the State Farm Arena.

Tony Khan Admits Cody-Andrade Street Fight Was ‘Nerve-Racking’

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

AEW boss Tony Khan was on edge at the conclusion of the street fight between Cody Rhodes and Andrade El Idolo.

Rhodes vs. Andrade closed out the Dec. 1 episode of AEW Dynamite. The show emanated from the Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA. Fans got even more than they bargained for.

The ending of the match saw Brandi Rhodes return to set a table on fire. Cody planted Andrade with a reverse DDT off the turnbuckle for the win. It was Cody who took the brunt of it, however, as he landed back-first onto the flaming table.

Tony Khan Was Nervous After Cody-Andrade

Once the match concluded, all Tony Khan wanted to know was whether or not everyone was alright. Even Arn Anderson took a spill during the match.

Thankfully, everyone is okay but Khan admitted on Busted Open Radio that things were a bit dicey backstage.

“It was amazing. It was such a great street fight and thankfully both guys will be okay and they both will be able to wrestle again because that was a crazy match.

“That’s the kind of stuff that can shorten careers, end careers. So, we’re very grateful for both Cody and Andrade El Idolo.

“Great street fight main event and absolutely Cody sent the fans home very happy from that match. I really, really enjoyed the street fight although it was pretty nerve-racking backstage.

“But thankfully everything came out okay and when you have a match like that, that’s all you can really hope for is that the wrestlers come out okay.”

The flaming table spot certainly has its supporters and detractors. Some believe that Cody taking the worst of the spot took away from the ending. Just don’t tell that to Bully Ray.

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Jim Ross Credits Paul Heyman For Roman Reigns’ Success

Fernando Quiles Jr.
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0

Jim Ross believes Paul Heyman can be thanked for Roman Reigns’ successful shift in character.

These days, Reigns calls himself “The Tribal Chief” and demands that everyone acknowledges him. The general consensus is that Reigns’ heel persona is a hit. It’s quite the change from when Reigns was a babyface who many felt was being forced by WWE.

Heyman serves as the “Special Counsel” for Reigns. Reigns, Heyman, and The Usos together are called The Bloodline.

Paul Heyman Praised By JR

Jim Ross Paul Heyman

During an episode of the Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross said that Paul Heyman deserves credit for Roman Reigns being the star that he is today.

“Also, Heyman’s got a great eye for talent. He’s proven that time and again. He’s proving it now. He’s making Roman Reigns one of the biggest stars in WWE’s recent history.”

Heyman and JR have long been good friends. For years, fans thought there was legit heat between the two over their days doing commentary together on WWE TV.

JR has said numerous times that there was never any beef. Ross said that he and Heyman simply had good chemistry and Heyman always kept him on his toes.

Few can deny that Heyman has played a key role in bringing the “Tribal Chief” version of Roman Reigns to life.

It has made for an interesting storyline involving Brock Lesnar. Heyman had been Lesnar’s advocate for years and was always a believer in “The Beast.”

Please H/T SEScoops with a link if you use any quotes from this article

Carmelo Hayes wants to wrestle Roman Reigns: “He’s that guy.”

Michael Reichlin
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Carmelo Hayes has big aspirations in WWE.

The high-flying Superstar has garnered a lot of attention since debuting for NXT back in June. Since then, he’s won the NXT Breakout Tournament and captured the coveted North American championship.

Hayes appeared on The War Report podcast this week to discuss his plans to elevate NXT 2.0, his friendship with Trick Williams and more.

When asked who he wants to work with on the main roster, Carmelo Hayes set his sights on the biggest dog in the yard.

“Roman,” he said. “I feel like that’s the only answer. I feel like, go big or go home. It’s Roman, bro.”

Carmelo Hayes on Roman Reigns

Carmelo Hayes

Co-host Justin says that it seems like Roman Reigns is a mythical figure within the WWE locker room. Everyone looks at him as the gold standard for success. He asked Hayes if that’s true, and he agreed.

“Yeah, that’s true, bro. He’s that guy, for real. I met him when I did SmackDown. He’s that guy. He’s that guy who you should want to wrestle, because he’s the big money guy. If you think about it, big match, big moments. He’s that guy.”

For Carmelo Hayes, it makes sense that he’d want to challenge the biggest star in WWE. For Roman Reigns, it’s another example that being the best means you’ve often got a target on your back. You can’t take your foot off the gas peddle, because there’s always someone young and hungry wanting your spot.

Listen to Carmelo Hayes’ appearance on The War Room podcast:

Update On What Top Superstars In WWE Are Paid

Chris Stephens
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On WWE Raw this week, Liv Morgan implied that the reason her Riott Squad teammates had been let go from the company was Becky Lynch’s lucrative contract. The exact terms of Lynch’s contract are unknown, but she’s almost certainly making millions of dollars per year.

The salaries of top WWE stars was recently addressed in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. According to Dave Meltzer, the top guys in WWE such as Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are making more than $5 million per year.

There is one other person who is believed to be making around $4 million per year. That could be Becky Lynch, although that is only speculation. Other top talent in the company make around $2 million or $3 million per year as well.

“Regarding contract sizes, the very top people (by this meaning Reigns and Lesnar) are above $5 million per year on their guaranteed deal and another person is at around $4 million, but a lot of the top talent is now at $2 million and some at $3 million,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

These figures are just their guaranteed dollar amount. It does not include their merchandise revenue or other potential bonuses as part of their contract.

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